Expedition to Map Where Florida Keys Fish Breed

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Researchers set sail this past Thursday (July 26) off the coast
of south Florida to map areas where fish are breeding.

Their findings will help scientists manage and set limits for
fishing in the
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which includes the
waters off the Keys and stretches west to the Dry Tortugas,
islands (and a national park) about 67 miles (108 kilometers)
west of Key West.

On the expedition, scientists will use various types of sonar to
provide high-resolution maps of the seafloor and search for fish,
to learn more about each spawning site and what they have in
common. Divers will also take a look beneath the waves to verify
sonar readings, and use remotely operated vehicles to make
observations in deeper areas.

The cruise came about in response to public comments, during a
regulatory review, that more information was needed about fish
spawning habitats and how to protect them, said Sean Morton, with
the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

"The scientific results of this cruise will help inform the
public and guide management decisions as we continue to look at
sanctuary marine zones and regulations," Morton said in a
statement.

The sanctuary's marine zoning and regulatory review is a
multiyear public process to determine whether existing sanctuary
boundaries, regulations and marine zones are adequate to address
threats to marine life.

Divers will also service and redeploy 74 acoustic receivers in
and around
Dry Tortugas National Park. The network of receivers is used
to detect acoustically tagged fish when they pass within range.
It was instrumental in documenting the return of a historic
mutton snapper spawning group near the park.